Any input on these? Are they ok or are they a waste of money? I've seen two on E-bay, a 130amp and a 180amp model. The price is reasonable but will it last and are parts available? Any input you can provide would be appreciated.
Clarke Mig Welder
- Thread starter shvl73
- Start date
- Views: 7063
MadReferee
Elite Member, Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2003
- Messages
- 3,862
- Location
- New Hampshire
- Tractor
- Kubota B2710, IH TD6-62 dozer with Drott 4n1 bucket loader
Seems to me that the Clarke was discussed recently on either the Miller MotorSports forum or the Hobart Welders forums. You might want to go over to one of those forums where you might find someone with frst hand experience with a Clarke unit.
rayc45 said:
OK, you were right. I picked up a Lincoln yesterday and I am amazed at the quality of the weld. I'll keep playing with it and I think I'll cut a few pieces apart to check penetration. I haven't tried flux core yet, I picked up a bottle of gas and it is the cleanest weld I've ever been able to do.
I am very pleased!!
Last edited:
PBinWA
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2004
- Messages
- 906
- Location
- WA
- Tractor
- Kioti NX55, Mahindra 2615, Case 36CXB, Case W4, Volvo MC85C
I had a Clarke 130EN before I got my Miller 175. The Clarke 130 was really good. I think it fed wire better than my Miller does. I seem to get more wire issues with my Miller then I had with my Clarke.
No real comparison can be made as far as the welds go. My Miller 175 is really good but the Clarke was pretty good for a machine that runs off 110V. I'd recommend them for someone looking for a cheap starting machine for occasional welding.
The Clarke welder uses a Tweeco style gun so it is easy to get parts for the gun. It uses the same contact tips as a Lincoln gun.
I bought my Clarke 130 on sale as a kit with everything except gas and it was only $300. If you can get one for that price I would recommend it. They typically list for higher.
No real comparison can be made as far as the welds go. My Miller 175 is really good but the Clarke was pretty good for a machine that runs off 110V. I'd recommend them for someone looking for a cheap starting machine for occasional welding.
The Clarke welder uses a Tweeco style gun so it is easy to get parts for the gun. It uses the same contact tips as a Lincoln gun.
I bought my Clarke 130 on sale as a kit with everything except gas and it was only $300. If you can get one for that price I would recommend it. They typically list for higher.
PBinWA said:
Thanks,
The Clarke didn't look like a bad unit for the $, but wasn't available locally so I went for the Lincoln 175amp unit. I think its all I'll ever need as an amateur. I've got some projects ahead and I need to practice alot.
I've got the Clarke 130EN but can't offer any testimonial as I haven't even plugged it in yet. It does look good on its stand, though, complete with Minnie Pearl-esque price tag still dangling from it. I went to the farm store to buy a wheelbarrow and came home with this welder instead. It's main use will be (if I ever get around to it) the replacement of the rusted-out floor panels in my old army jeep.
However, the tv and sofa beckon and I am powerless against their allure.
However, the tv and sofa beckon and I am powerless against their allure.
I have the clarke 185sg spool gun welder i picked up at farm and fleet for 499
Ive had the lincoln sp175+ for years. but couldnt resist the deal on the clarke
I almost hate to say i like the clarke spoolgun better than the lincoln.The clarke seems well designed and built.The tips and nozzles from the lincoln also
fit the clarke.THe spool gun on 20 foot cable is nice, the 10 foot on the lincoln seems short at times.THe clarke has 150 amps max were the lincoln
has 175. But on 3/16" or less the clarke works great.The clarke came with a complete parts list available from clarke direct.The clarke is a fine welder,and for the price great.
Ive had the lincoln sp175+ for years. but couldnt resist the deal on the clarke
I almost hate to say i like the clarke spoolgun better than the lincoln.The clarke seems well designed and built.The tips and nozzles from the lincoln also
fit the clarke.THe spool gun on 20 foot cable is nice, the 10 foot on the lincoln seems short at times.THe clarke has 150 amps max were the lincoln
has 175. But on 3/16" or less the clarke works great.The clarke came with a complete parts list available from clarke direct.The clarke is a fine welder,and for the price great.
Jagmandave
Veteran Member
I have to mostly agree with Carl, I have both a Clark and a Lincoln..........but I think the Lincoln lays down a little better bead.
Either one works great for the casual home/hobby tho.
He already bought the Lincoln, so he's set. I think the Lincoln will serve him well, mine has...............
Either one works great for the casual home/hobby tho.
He already bought the Lincoln, so he's set. I think the Lincoln will serve him well, mine has...............
